I'd like to get an alignment job before I put new tires on my '68 Riv, but there's a HUGE amount of play in the steering wheel & we haven't had success at packing any more grease into the boots -- at least one seems to be clogged/jammed/broken. I called for an alignment quote & they said they can't do a job if there's too much play in the suspension/steering. Are there grease fitting replacements readily available somewhere? Aside from alignment, I've got HORRIBLE body roll -- alarming hood dip around a mild curve going 50 mph. I replaced all 4 shocks probably 30K miles ago, and we attempted to stiffen the rear end w/ coil booster springs, but they promptly slip down & won't stay tight/compressed where they'll do the most good. Is there a key sway bar or fittings to replace that'll get me the most stability for my buck? I'm on a college student's budget, here... Thanks!
Kristy, Unfortunately, grease fittings won't solve any of the problems. The play in the steering could be in the steering box or it could be wear in the steering linkage or suspension bushings (or all of the above). There's an adjustment on the top of the box (like a screw captured by a lock nut) that may take out some of the play. It seems pretty typical that the center link and outer tie rod ends are worn on these old cars. Might get some of the lean out of it with a new link kit for the front sway bar (cheap). They never had a rear sway bar, but ADDCO (I think that's right) or somebody makes a rear bar that requires some adaptation (might check on a thread that Yardley started some time back). But I really think the best option would be to take it to an alignment shop that hopefully knows something about the older cars (or at least doesn't want to talk about a four wheel alignment just automatically) and get them to tell you what the car needs. Doesn't mean you have to have the work done, but then you'd know how good or bad the situation is.
A good alignment shop will look at your car and tell you what is needed to make repairs. At least from that point you will know what kind of costs you will incur for replacement parts, then can go forward with the alighment, new tires ect... If you want to look into it yourself, raise the front end so the tires are off the ground. I'd also suggest throwing some jackstands under the frame before you go further. Then grab each part of the steering linkage and give it a firm shake side to side. probably best if done laying under the car. Start from one tie rod checking the inner and outer working your way to the other side, don't forget the idler arm. The bad parts will have movement/play in them. There shouldn't be any play. Also wiggle the tires to see if there is any play in the ball joints upper and lower.
Kristy, Like Matt said, get the front of the car off the ground. Then have someone turn the steering wheel while you hold the tire on each side. You should be able to see where the problem is if you look closely at the front end parts. Centerlinks are commonly worn and a source of play. The steering box is probably fine, I wouldn't mess with it. You can also grab both wheels and pull them together at the front, and push them apart at the front while looking for excess slack in the linkages.
can olny be idler arm pitman arm tie rod ends center link or bushings.......... :laugh: but most of the parts arent expensive the center link is but the rest can be had for 30-40 bucks a part sway bar will help the roll......but id say your front end is causing alot of the problem actually
You can actually diagnose worn steering parts without putting the car up in the air. Have a friend move the steering wheel left and right as you examine the joints. To check ball joint play, make sure you place the jack under the control arm to remove the spring tension off the joint. Most of the front end parts are discontinued and very expensive. If the centerlink is bad, your going to have to send it out to get rebuilt. Try www.kanter.com for these items. As far as body roll..check the sway bar end links and bushings. Also very important on the 66-70 Rivieras is the strut rod or brake reaction rod bushings. The lower control arms have only a single mounting. There is a rod that goes from the lower control arm to the frame to stabilize the control arm. When those bushings wear, the car will wander and be all over the road. Very common problem for our cars. Welcome to the wonderful world of 66-70 Rivieras!
